Women in Local Government

This Village aims to connect women across the local government sector in Queensland, provide them with access to valuable insights, effective real-world strategies, and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas.  

Agenda: 

In this session we will focus on: 

• What are the signs that someone may need uplifting?
• What are some strategies you can use to support others?
• Is there a member of your team that works really hard that you could acknowledge their efforts and strengths?
• What is an example of a small act of kindness that would make someone’s day?
• When was the last time that you experienced this, either giving or receiving and how did it make you feel?

Join like-minded local government officers, hear from others from across different sectors, get guidance, share ideas and get motivated to make changes you have been longing to make.

We look forward to hosting an engaging session with you. See you on 14 October at 11.30am!

Scheduled exchange sessions for 2025:

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81895544921

Join our Network on LinkedIn!

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND CHALLENGE

The Rural Management Challenges (RMC) are based on the successful concept of the Australasian Management Challenge. They are a development programme that provides real-life problem solving experiences and produces outcomes that translate into relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation.

Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Host Council: Western Downs Regional Council

Location: Dalby

Venue: Dalby Events Centre

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success. 

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 20 August 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Monday 25 August 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Due Wednesday 8 October at 3:00pm

Accommodation:

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Dalby - visit the Western Downs Queensland for more information. 

People and Culture Webinar - Termination of Employment

Day/Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Guest Presenter:  Jonathan Mamaril

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

Thank you to our Corporate Partner:

To sign up to be invited to future South Geldard events please click here.

Below are also links for the HR Engage Podcast which Jonathan hosts:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Council Meetings - 3 Part Webinar Series 

Part one: Tuesday 28 October

Council Meeting Agendas

A good meeting agenda is crucial to legislative complaint and good decision-making. This webinar will outline: what has to go into a meeting agenda from both compliance and good governance perspectives; and when and how must they be published. It will also provide tips for formulating agendas which facilitate smooth running of the meeting and provide a framework for good decision-making.

Part two: Wednesday 29 October

Council Meetings

There are many rules and processes which apply to council meetings – some of which are captured in standing orders.  Having a sound understanding of these allows council officers to keep meetings running smoothly and avoid later issues.  This webinar will work through the mechanics of council meetings and provide advice on how best to prepare to oversee a meeting and thereby apply meeting rules and processes seamlessly as they are required.

Part three: Thursday 30 October

Council Meeting Minutes

In addition to the statutory rules relating to the publication of meeting minutes, council meeting minutes are an important record which officers often must rely on in undertaking their duties.  Managing the balance between publishing comprehensive and clear minutes that are not open to interpretation and avoiding verbatim reporting which creates division and is time consuming to read, can be difficult.  This webinar will explore the ‘must do’ obligations for publishing council minutes and also the best practice approaches which go beyond ticking the compliance box and ensure minutes are provide an effective record for all officers and stakeholders who are relying on them.

Time: 10:00am - 11:15am

Cost: Entry from $330.00 (GST inclusive) per person for the three-part series - available to all Council Officers 

Entry from $550.00 (GST inclusive) for two people to attend the three- part series - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification.  Attendance is expected for all 3 sessions. This event will not be recorded.

LGMA Members: This webinar series is eligible to be redeemed under the  complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member. To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

NORTH QUEENSLAND CHALLENGE

The Rural Management Challenges (RMC) are based on the successful concept of the Australasian Management Challenge. They are a development programme that provides real-life problem solving experiences and produces outcomes that translate into relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation.

Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025

Host Council: Cairns Regional Council

Venue: Cairns Civic Centre

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event hosted the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success. 

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 3 September 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Monday 15 September 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Due Wednesday 29 October at 3:00pm

Accommodation: 

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Cairns - visit Tourism Cairns for more information. 

This challenge is proudly supported by:

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CHALLENGE

The Rural Management Challenges (RMC) are based on the successful concept of the Australasian Management Challenge. They are a development programme that provides real-life problem solving experiences and produces outcomes that translate into relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation.

Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025

Host Council: Rockhampton Regional Council

Location: Rockhampton

Venue: 62 Victoria Parade

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event hosted the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success. 

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 17 September 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Monday 22 September 2025

Pre-Challenge Task Due Wednesday 5 November at 3:00pm

Accommodation: 

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Rockhampton - visit Explore Rockhampton for more information.

Job burnout – the enemy of burnout is wellness

61% of Australian workers have experienced burnout – 13% more than the global average – and this negatively impacts productivity, well-being and employee turnover.

In this workshop we dive into burnout culture, why burnout in the workplace is so widespread, how workplaces contribute to burnout and how we can overcome it and change the way we work.  With personal approaches to manage and prevent workplace burnout as well as approaches your leader, team and organisation can take, together we can help provide healthier workplaces.

Day/Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

Wellbeing in the Workplace Webinar

In this final webinar for the year we look at nurturing our wellbeing in the workplace.  We cover tips and tricks for wellness including reframing thoughts, physical and environmental tweaks, and tapping into a support network to better your wellbeing.  Make these methods part of your weekly routine to ensure you give yourself the best chance to thrive in both your personal and professional life.

Day/Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

Women in Local Government

This Village aims to connect women across the local government sector in Queensland, provide them with access to valuable insights, effective real-world strategies, and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas.  

Agenda: Stay tuned!

Scheduled exchange sessions for 2026:

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81895544921

Join our Network on LinkedIn!

Ignite Programme Brisbane 2026

Time to ignite your leadership journey!

Ignite is a leadership development programme designed to provide new or aspiring managers; supervisors or team leaders with the necessary skills to manage and lead themselves and their team.

Through interactive workshops and practical learning, this programme provides the tools, insights and hands-on experience to take on the responsibility of leading a team with greater confidence.

The Ignite Programme consists of a two-day Introductory Forum then four one-day workshops scheduled 3-5 weeks apart. Participants will need to commit to attending all six workshops plus one mandatory one-on-one coaching session.

2026 Programme Dates

Brisbane 2026: 17-18 February; 18 March; 6 May; 3 June and 15 July

Venue: Queensland Law Society, 179 Ann Street Brisbane.

Programme Cost: $3,920 per person.

Registrations close - Monday 2 February 2026

Nomination Process

Please complete the online registration form to indicate your intention to submit a nomination and then download and complete this nomination form which includes endorsement from your nominating manager and return to training@lgmaqld.org.au prior to close of registrations on Monday 2 February 2026.

Accommodation Options Close to the Venue:

(Note: Accommodation is not included in the registration fee)

• Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central (IHG)
• Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square
• Hyatt Regency Brisbane
• Hilton Brisbane
• Meriton Suites – Adelaide Street and Herschel Street

Ignite Programme Cairns 2026

Time to ignite your leadership journey!

Ignite is a leadership development programme designed to provide new or aspiring managers; supervisors or team leaders with the necessary skills to manage and lead themselves and their team.

Through interactive workshops and practical learning, this programme provides the tools, insights and hands-on experience to take on the responsibility of leading a team with greater confidence.

The Ignite Programme consists of a two-day Introductory Forum then four one-day workshops scheduled 3-5 weeks apart. Participants will need to commit to attending all six workshops plus one mandatory one-on-one coaching session.

2026 Programme Dates

Cairns 2026: 24-25 February; 25 March; 13 May; 10 June and 22 July

Venue: Cairns Harbourside Hotel, 209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns 

Programme Cost: $3,920 per person.

Registrations close - Monday 2 February 2026

Nomination Process

Please complete the online registration form to indicate your intention to submit a nomination and then download and complete this nomination form which includes endorsement from your nominating manager and return to training@lgmaqld.org.au prior to close of registrations on Monday 2 February 2026.

Accommodation Options Close to the Venue:

(Note: Accommodation is not included in the registration fee)

• Cairns Harbourside Hotel (IHG) 
• Central Plaza Apartment Hotel 
• Cairns Queenslander Hotel & Apartments 
• Coral Towers Holiday Apartments
• Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Managing Upwards

One of your most important relationships in the workplace will be with your supervisor.  This webinar will explore mechanisms to improve your relationship with your supervisor and to help you build skills and strategies to effectively work with and influence your manager, fostering a productive relationship.

The practical strategies are offered for immediate application and will help you navigate expectations, anticipate needs and influence decision-making with confidence.

Audience:  All local government officers, all levels and roles below the CEO

Day/Date: Tuesday 24 February 

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

2026 Women in Local Government Conference 

The Women in Local Government Conference was developed to empower women in the local government context. The conference aims to consider the application of leadership to engage women in the sector, developing techniques for the 'every-day' leader and creating a workplace culture that values the contribution of women in all aspects and levels of the organisation.

By connecting women across the local government sector, we aim to provide those women with access to valuable insights, effective real-world strategies from skilled facilitators, and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas. 

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. 

Join LGMA to celebrate Women in Local Government in Queensland. 

Dates: Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March 2026

Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane - 23 Leichardt Street, Spring Hill Qld 4000

Times: 

08.00am - 08.30am - Coffee on Arrival and Registration

08.30am - 08.45am - Delegates Seated

08.45am - 4.00pm - Conference Sessions

Networking Event: Wed 4 March from 4.00-6.00pm

Registration: 

Council Officer (Early Bird) $1100 per person - closes 5 February 

Council Officer (Standard) $1300 per person - from 6 February - if not sold out prior

Includes: Tea breaks and Lunch on Wed and Thurs + the Networking Event on Wed.

Accommodation, travel/transport are not included in the registration fees.

Brochure: Here

Member benefits:  LGMA Members who attend this event receive a discount off their membership fees for the next financial year.

Council Subscribers:  Councils who subscribe to LGMA may be entitled to a complimentary registration when an Early Bird Registration has been purchased.  T&C's apply (excludes all CEO's) - call us to check eligibility. Form here.

Dress Code: Business Casual - As the room temperature may vary, we suggest wearing layered clothing to ensure you are comfortable throughout the day.

Accommodation: 

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane - Book directly to receive 15% off the best available rate by using the code LGMAQ in the drop down section from special code: https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-brisbane/book/accommodations

Phone: 07 3831 4055 or Email: reservations@hgcbrisbane.com.au

Check in is from 14.00 and check out if at 11.00.  Full buffet breakfast is available in Fresco's Restaurant.  

Phone: 07 3831 4055 / Email: reservations@hgcbrisbane.com.au

Car Parking: $20.00 per day for all delegates (up to 10 hours) 

Alternative Parking: https://www.secureparking.com.au/en-au/car-park-rates/spring-hill/  

Transport: Here

Thank you to our valued corporate partners:   

           

                     

Cost: Council Officers Early Bird Rate- $770 per person until 13 February 2026

Council Officers Standard Rate - $900 per person from 13 February 2026

Inclusions: Tea breaks and lunch on Wed and Thurs + Networking function on Wed from 4.30-6.00pm

Registration at the event: Wed from 10.30am - Collect name tags

Agenda: TBC

Dress Code:  Business casual – as the room temperature may vary, we suggest you wear layered clothing.

Accommodation: Book and pay own accounts by utilising the link below:

https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-brisbane/book/accommodations

There is a box at the top of the screen Special Code - click and then select Rate Access/Corporate Code in the drop down.  Type in lgmaq as the code type.

Car Parking: Hotel Grand Chancellor $20.00 per day - subject to availability

Alternative Car Parking / Transport:

Secure Parking / Wilson Parking / Translink

Corporate Partners Supporting this Forum: Thank you...

                                  

Propeller 2026 - We have lift off!

Propeller commences in Brisbane with a two-day introductory forum.  Delegates are placed into teams to co-ordinate, travel and experience six workshops that are hosted by different Queensland councils.  The final forum will be held the day after Workshop 6 - in the same location.

This practical programme helps to develop LG skills and knowledge; assists with networking opportunities and information sharing plus group participation for the workshops, group project and memoir.  Participation at the nine (9) forums/workshops is compulsory.  Propeller delegates will need to factor in time for workshop preparation, travel and participation in a group project and memoir.  This programme is suitable for council officers of any age, experience, role and interests.  It offers both personal and professional development.

The workshop dates are:

Wed 24 March and Thurs 25 March - Introductory Forum - Brisbane

Workshops 1 and 2: 20-21 May - Councils TBC

Workshops 3 and 4: 29-30 July - Councils TBC

Workshops 5 and 6: 15-16 September - Councils TBC

Thurs 17 September: Final Forum - same location as the final workshops

Propeller Brochure

Programme Information

Nomination Form

$3800 per person (excludes travel, accommodation and meals – see the brochure and information sheets above for full details).  Invoices will be issued upon placement confirmation.  Registrations close Friday 20 February.

Self-Performance Assessment

The ability to critically assess your own performance is not something that is innate for most people. We all have a lens through which we see the world, our place in it and our contribution. However, the ability to self-assess can help us lift our performance and avoid potentially difficult conversations.

This webinar will provide processes useful in reflecting on your own performance to gain insight, set goals and support your professional growth. Learn how to assess your strengths, identify areas for improvement and align your contributions with team and organisational goals. The webinar offers practical tools and frameworks to help you evaluate your performance objectively and constructively.

Audience:  All local government officers, all levels and roles

Day/Date: Tuesday 24 March

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

Australasian Management Challenge 2026

The  Australasian Management Challenge (AMC) is an innovative development opportunity that is a convergence of ideas, energy, academic rigour and practical application – the elements which develop great leadership.

Everyone who participates in the Challenge - from experienced managers to emerging leaders, comes away with new and practical insights into excellence in leadership and management.

Registration is available online (one registration per team): The team mentor (or a team member) can register initially and then add in your team members (as guests) as they confirm.

Location: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills 

Venue: Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) - Gregory Terrace

Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026

Time: 7:45am - 5:00pm

Recommended Accommodation: Rydges Fortitude Valley

Australasian Management Challenge Brochure 

Key Dates:

Early Bird Registrations ($5,885) close on 6 February 26

Standard Registrations ($6,325) close on 2 March 26

The Pre-Challenge Task (PCT) is distributed on 16 March 26

Cancellation Policy

Awards for Excellence Gala:

Your registration for the 2026 Australasian Management Challenge includes seven (7) tickets (non-refundable) to the Awards for Excellence Event.

The winners and runners up of the Queensland Australasian Management Challenge are announced at the LGMA Awards for Excellence Announcements and Networking Event on Thursday 28 May at the State Library of Queensland from 15.30-19.00 (includes drinks, canapes and finger food).

The 2026 Challenge is proudly supported by:

Effective Delegation – a productivity booster

“It’s quicker to do it myself”, is a common refrain across managers the world over. But that is a trap, yes it is quicker this time but next time, and the next, and the next…

Delegation is easy but effective delegation takes some skill. In this webinar you will unlock the secrets of effective delegation to transform your workload. Gain insight into delegation strategies, potential pitfalls and risks, the art of matching tasks with the right people and setting clear expectations. Whether you are leading a team, or a team member looking to streamline tasks and focus on priorities, this webinar will provide key delegation strategies and practical tips to increase productivity.

Audience:  All local government officers who manage other officers

Day/Date: Tuesday 28 April

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues. 

Agenda: TBC

Dress Code: Business casual – as the room temperature may vary, we suggest you wear layered clothing.

Transport: Here

Parking: 

King George Square / Secure Parking / Wilson Parking

Accommodation: Book and pay own accounts. 

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central (IHG)

Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Hilton Brisbane

Thank you to our corporate partners:

           

Women in Local Government

This Village aims to connect women across the local government sector in Queensland, provide them with access to valuable insights, effective real-world strategies, and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas.  

Agenda: Stay tuned!

Scheduled exchange sessions for 2026:

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81895544921

Join our Network on LinkedIn!

How to say ‘no’ without offending

Local government officers are here to help the community and this community service focus can lead to a propensity to want to help everyone, whenever possible. Like all great traits, if taken to extremes it can negatively impact performance and wellbeing. Knowing when and how to say ‘no’ is important for long-term success.

Through this webinar you will develop the confidence and communication skills to say no clearly and respectfully when appropriate. All without damaging relationships. The session will discuss how to set boundaries, manage expectations and handle pushback with professionalism and empathy. It offers practical language and techniques to help you stay assertive while remaining considerate.

Audience:  All local government officers who struggle to say 'no'

Day/Date: Tuesday 26 May

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded. 

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.